Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or additional mayonnaise. There are several excellent vegan mayonnaise options available that would work perfectly in this recipe.

How can I prevent my lettuce wraps from falling apart?

Double up your lettuce leaves for extra support, and don't overfill them. Another trick is to serve with a toothpick to hold them together, especially if serving at a gathering.

What's the best way to prepare chicken specifically for this recipe?

If you're not using rotisserie chicken, try poaching boneless chicken breasts in seasoned water until just cooked through (about 10-12 minutes). This keeps the chicken tender and moist, perfect for shredding.

My family doesn't like Greek yogurt - what can I substitute?

You can certainly use all mayonnaise instead of the yogurt-mayo combination. For a different tangy element, try sour cream or even a ripe, mashed avocado for creaminess with a different flavor profile.

Chicken Apple Salad Lettuce Wraps Recipe

This Chicken Apple Salad Lettuce Wrap recipe transforms simple ingredients into a refreshing, protein-packed meal that’s ready in minutes. The creamy dressing brings together tender chicken and crisp, sweet apples, all wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner option that’s perfect for busy weekdays or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish, you’ll have these wraps ready in just 10 minutes – perfect for those nights when cooking feels impossible!
Perfectly Balanced: The creamy, tangy dressing pairs beautifully with sweet apples and savory chicken, creating that irresistible sweet-savory combination we all crave.
Customizable: Make it your own! This recipe welcomes your personal touch – add or swap ingredients based on what you have or prefer.
Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the chicken salad ahead of time and enjoy quick, delicious meals throughout your busy week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Greek Yogurt: Creates the tangy, creamy base for your dressing while keeping things lighter than traditional mayo-only versions.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and silkiness to the dressing – just enough to make it indulgent without going overboard.
Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up with a touch of acidity that balances the creaminess perfectly.
Honey: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tangy yogurt and tart apples.
Cooked Chicken: The protein powerhouse of this dish – rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds wonderful flavor.
Apples: Bring a refreshing crunch and natural sweetness. Sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work beautifully here.
Lettuce Leaves: Your edible vessels! Butter lettuce offers the perfect combination of flexibility and structure to hold your filling.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This recipe welcomes creativity! Try these delicious twists:

Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of toasted walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra texture and nutrients.
Fruit Swap: Replace apples with diced pears or halved grapes for a different sweet note.
Veggie Boost: Toss in diced celery, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for additional color and crunch.
Flavor Enhancers: Fold in some crispy bacon bits, blue cheese crumbles, or avocado chunks for richness.
Spice It Up: Add a dash of curry powder or a pinch of cayenne if you’re craving something with heat.

How to Make Chicken Apple Salad Lettuce Wraps

Step 1: Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Apples

Add your diced or shredded chicken and diced apples to the dressing. Fold everything together until well coated.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

This is crucial! Take a small taste and see if you need more salt, honey, or mayonnaise to achieve your perfect balance of flavors.

Step 4: Fill the Lettuce Leaves

Lay out your lettuce leaves and place a generous scoop of chicken salad into each one. Fold the sides in and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chicken Options: While rotisserie chicken is convenient, leftover grilled chicken or quickly poached chicken breasts work wonderfully too.
Apple Preparation: Dice your apples just before mixing to prevent browning, or toss them with a bit of extra lemon juice if preparing ahead.
Lettuce Selection: Look for lettuce with large, sturdy leaves that can hold the filling without tearing. Butter lettuce, romaine hearts, or iceberg lettuce work great.
Dressing Consistency: If your dressing seems too thick, add a tiny splash of water or extra lemon juice to thin it slightly.

How to Serve

These versatile wraps can be enjoyed in multiple ways:

As a Meal:

Serve 2-3 wraps per person with a side of fresh fruit or simple vegetable soup for a complete, satisfying meal.

For Entertaining:

Arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter with the chicken salad in a bowl alongside, letting guests build their own wraps for a fun, interactive dish.

Lunch Box Option:

Pack the chicken salad separately from the lettuce leaves to assemble just before eating, keeping everything crisp and fresh.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the chicken salad mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The lettuce leaves should be stored separately, wrapped in a slightly damp paper towel inside a sealed bag.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the chicken salad 1-2 days in advance, but the apples may lose some crispness. For best results, consider adding the diced apples just before serving.

Meal Prep

Portion the chicken salad into individual containers and pack lettuce leaves separately for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or additional mayonnaise. There are several excellent vegan mayonnaise options available that would work perfectly in this recipe.
How can I prevent my lettuce wraps from falling apart?

Double up your lettuce leaves for extra support, and don’t overfill them. Another trick is to serve with a toothpick to hold them together, especially if serving at a gathering.
What’s the best way to prepare chicken specifically for this recipe?

If you’re not using rotisserie chicken, try poaching boneless chicken breasts in seasoned water until just cooked through (about 10-12 minutes). This keeps the chicken tender and moist, perfect for shredding.
My family doesn’t like Greek yogurt – what can I substitute?

You can certainly use all mayonnaise instead of the yogurt-mayo combination. For a different tangy element, try sour cream or even a ripe, mashed avocado for creaminess with a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

These Chicken Apple Salad Lettuce Wraps hit all the right notes – they’re fresh, flavorful, and ready in minutes. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or an impressive yet effortless appetizer for guests, this recipe delivers every time. The combination of creamy dressing, protein-rich chicken, and sweet, crunchy apples wrapped in crisp lettuce creates a perfect bite that’s satisfying without weighing you down. Give them a try tonight!